but new york, philadelphia and boston saw a slowdown largely because of hurricane sandy. no surprise there. >>> and there's no slowdown in what americans are spending on gas, though. drivers are on pace to spend a record amount at the pump this year. $483 billion or $1.32 billion a day, with gas prices consistently high during the past year. but in a bright spot, though, looking ahead to 2013, the energy department predicts gas will average about $3.44 a gallon. that's about 20 cents lower than this year. >>> and what about the cars and trucks that need filling up? the l.a. auto show opens tomorrow, with vehicles from the ordinary to the out of this world. toyota is getting early buzz with its first redesign of the rav-4 suv in seven years. featuring an intelligent all-wheel drive system. also getting attention, right there. volkswagen's new beetle convertible. >>> and starbucks is rolling out a new coffee. and if the caffeine doesn't jolt you, the price certainly will. it is the chain's most expensive coffee ever. the costa rica will set you back $7 a cup. and if you hav